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Elizabeth was probably named for her Grandmother Elizabeth BerryOoley. Her half-sister, Clara, said Elizabeth had a beautiful and strongsoprano voice and sang with her father's musical group. It seems Elizabeth was counted twice in the 1860 census, living withthe James Powell family as a housekeepers assistant and at home withher parents. Quoting from "Our Family at Woodmanse," the author said Elizabeth was"somewhat of a character. She never called him (her husband) by hisfirst name, but always Mr. Powell." Continuing with a story told byHenry Brown, who worked for them: "His bedroom was next to theirs,and since Nelson was rather deaf, Henry could hear her talking to him. Even in private she still called him Mr. Powell. She always got upbefore daybreak and set the pattern for the rest of the household. Onemorning Henry heard her say, 'Mr. Powell, Mr. Powell, get up! get up!Daylight's shining in the window just like the moon.' There was somemuttering from Nelson, then he said, "Aw, it is the moon." His bedcreaked, and soon he was snoring again." He added "She was anexcellent cook, and had quite a reputation for it in theneighborhood." Elizabeth acquired several pieces of property in her own name shortlybefore and after Nelson died: 6/3/1901 Cadwell, IL, where she paid $750 to Gilbert and JerushaBaker for property. She may have originally intended to live therewith Nelson during his postmaster tenure but never did. 1904 Following Nelson's death she applied for and received a widow'spension based on Nelson't service in the Civil War. She got $12/monthbeginning in March and received her last check on 9/4/1915. 5/17/1904 Sullivan, IL. She bought more lots in the Lewissubdivision, this time from her step-daughter and husband, Lizzie andLevi Seass, paying $500. 11/1/1904 By quit claim deed she bought a lot from Samuel and EdithDavis for $125. 11/1/1909 Again by quit claim deed she paid $125 for the lot of T.E.and Hattie Lewis. Her obituary said she was well known all over Sullivan and othertownships in the county, having spent a great part of her life in andnear the city. |
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Elizabeth died of carcinoma of the stomach and liver, requiringconstant nursing attention from
9/17/1915 until her death. She hadbeen living with only daughter, Mary Dunkin, at the time
of her deathand Mary, with the help of sister-in-law, Mary Powell, wife of WmMoses, nursed
Elizabeth through her last illness. Mary Dunkin applied for reimbursement for bills of O M Williamson,physician, for $29.50 and C A Corgin, undertaker, for $134.25. |
| The funeral was held at the Christian church on Saturday afternoon at2 PM with Rev W.B. Hopper officiating. |